Fungal Nail Infections: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
March 30, 2023/
Many people are afflicted by the common issue of having fungal nail infections. A fungus that develops inside or beneath the nail causes this infection. This post will discuss the signs, causes, and possible remedies for fungal nail infections.
Symptoms of Fungal Nail Infections
Depending on how serious the infection is, the symptoms of fungal nail infection can change. Some typical signs include:
Thickened nail
Discoloration of the nail
Foul odor
Brittle or crumbly nails
Deformation of the nail
A painful separation of the diseased nail from the nail bed may occur in extreme situations. Getting medical help as soon as possible is crucial if you experience any of these symptoms.
Causes of Fungal Nail Infections
The fungus dermatophytes cause fungal nail infections. These fungi flourish in warm, damp public restrooms, locker rooms, and swimming pools. They can also be transferred directly from one person to another.
Fungal nail infections are more common in some people than others. The following variables can influence your chance of developing a fungal nail infection:
Diabetes
Weakened immune system
Age
Nail trauma
Excessive sweating
Poor hygiene
Treatment Options for Fungal Nail Infections
There are several treatment options available for fungal nail infections, including:
Oral antifungal medications
These drugs are typically recommended for mild to severe fungal nail infections. They function by eradicating the fungus responsible for the ailment. Oral antifungal drug treatments can last for several months.
Topical antifungal medications
The affected nail receives a direct application of these drugs. Often, they are used for minor fungal nail infections. The course of treatment with topical antifungal medicines can last for several months.
Laser therapy
Laser therapy is a more recent method of treating fungal nail infections. It includes killing the fungus that is causing the infection with a laser. Laser therapy treatments can require numerous sessions to finish.
Besides these treatments, other natural cures can help reduce the symptoms of a fungal nail infection. They consist of the following:
Keeping your nails clean and dry
Wearing breathable socks and shoes
Using an antifungal nail polish
using tea tree oil to saturate the area
Conclusion
Fungus nail infections are a frequent ailment that can be quite unpleasant and ugly. Yet, most people can clean up the infection and get their nails back to how they were with the proper care. Getting medical assistance as soon as you feel you may have a fungal nail infection is critical. Your doctor might suggest the ideal course of treatment based on your unique needs.